Burin dart players claim spot on provincial team

Brandy Clarke, left, and Rachel Hollett were the top two finishers in the junior girls division at a provincial dart tournament held in Gander March 8 to 10. - Colin Farrell

Rachel Hollett and Brandy Clarke headed to national dart tournament

BURIN, N.L. —

For two young women from Burin, what started as a mild interest has earned them a spot on the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial dart team.

Rachel Hollett and Brandy Clarke secured their spots on the team during the provincial dart tournament held earlier this month in Gander. Rachel won 16 of her 20 games to take the first spot and Brandy finished a game behind for second place.

The pair, who play with the Burin Bull’s Eyes, will join six others from the province to compete in the 2019 Canadian National Championships this May in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

“It is very exciting,” said Rachel.

“It is shocking,” Brandy added, when the pair were asked how it felt to make the team. “We definitely weren’t expecting it,” she added.

The pair say they don’t have any expectations going into nationals — they are just looking forward to getting a chance to take on the top junior dart players from across Canada.

“If something does happen then it will be great, but if not it’s just good for the experience,” said Brandy.

Both say they are getting ready for the national competition by playing as many games of darts as they can.

“We’re practicing every day … I’ll be playing against my brother, my dad and my mom,” said Rachel. “My neighbours also play darts, so I’ll go over there.”

Brandy added they get together after school to practice and also play against others, “so we get used to more competition.”

Mason Barry of Marystown will also be competing at the national event, he finished second in the junior boy's division to secure a spot on the provincial team.